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Geneva 2008: Sbarro Pendolauto leaning motorcycle

Last October, when Yamaha showed off its Tesseract concept, we had trouble deciding how to classify the vehicle other than as extremely awesome. We are left scratching our heads yet again as Swiss automobile and motorcycle customizing company Sbarro unleashes its Pendolauto concept. Like the Tesseract, the Pendolauto leans into turns like a motorcycle would, yet features four wheels, like a car or a quad. With most of the excitement of a motorcycle, the machine would certainly be a blast to ride, but perhaps a bit more stable due to the addition of the two extra contact patches. Piaggio has seen a great deal of success with its MP3 scooter, but that machine features three wheels and is classified as a motorcycle. Because the Tesseract and Pendolauto have four wheels, nothing quite like them will be available in the U.S. any time soon. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be have yet to understand that a machine like the Pendolauto can offer similar benefits as motorcycles while perhaps adding a few degrees of safety. Click one of the sources below for more pics.

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Anonymous

Anonymous

7 Years Ago

I like the idea of the front articulating suspension, but why two rear wheels? Usually the rear wheel is wider anyway, and doesn't suffer, but gains from weight transfer. Plus an articulating driveline with a differential is more complex than it needs to be, and one rear wheel is simpler, and lighter.

The front end is what tends to skitter, and get light, or slide out in uneven curves and turns, and have stress-bearing telescoping forks which are absent in articulated leaning front suspensions.

I'd go with a three-wheel arrangement, like the Aprilia Magnet concept.

Anonymous

7 Years Ago

I seriously doubt a vehicle this narrow that isn't a motorcycle would be safer than a motorcycle in most instances. Just picture for a minute riding a 4 wheel bicycle this wide. Seems impractical at the least. I'd be willing to test drive it though.

I think the guy in the upper right of the picture scratching his head has it right.